Posted on May 26, 2010 - by Editor

EP Reviews: Batusis / Doin’ Just Fine/ Lasse Brawn

Batusis
Smog Veil Records

When the press release announced this mini super group consisting of Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys, Rocket from the Tombs), Syl Sylvain (New York Dolls) and Joan Jett’s rhythm section (Enzo Penizzotto and Thommy Price) expectations were always going to be high but in truth so was the pitch of the sound!

The four track EP is a rock ‘n roll record with Sylvain and Cheetah showing their experienced hands in creating something a little bit naughty, a little bit dirty and full of skill and fun. Although I wouldn’t agree with the high octane elements I have read about the release (punk rock has moved on faster and louder in my opinion) the guitars and vocals are bit of a time warp to the guys heydays but I don’t mean that as a criticism.

The first and last tracks are instrumentals; a cover of Davie Allan and the Arrows ‘Blues’ Theme’ and ‘Big Cat Stomp’ respectively, and both are classy. The second track is lead by Sylvain’s vocals in ‘What You Lack In Brains’ which is full of attitude whereas the third track ‘Bury You Alive’ is lead by the far more retro and manly vocals of Cheetah Chrome but still fun. The EP full of riffs and solo’s showing off the guy’s musicianship and will appeal to a whole legion of fans but I’m not sure how much fans of punk, post 90’s revival, will be into it.

5 Lovesick Punk Rock Songs
Doin’ Just Fine

Admittedly inspired by Johnny Cash and Social Distortion, the five track EP from the French cowboy bar-room punks is fuelled by themes of tragedy and suffering; the three piece declaring themselves the “saddest band in punk”. Thankfully the title doesn’t mean the worst punk band either and the EP is good, not great, but it’s an enjoyable listen and the vocals of Robert Myer lead you along his personal broken hearted, downtrodden path of rocking country-punk. Definitely fans of the genre should enjoy this; perfect for a rainy moody night with a bottle of whiskey in hand. ‘Go go go’ is my personal stand out track.

Exacerbating Circumstances
Lasse Brawn

This four track EP is the third release from the band claiming to have gone through over 20 members to find its current state; so what does that say about the music? Well it’s primal, messy and distorted and the dual screaming vocals hint at influences like Fugazi and musically maybe The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, but I struggle to enjoy the output from the Leeds based band. That’s not to say the music is bad, it’s just not really what I’m into (garage punk) and from my limited knowledge of the genre, I would say it a less furious and classy Be Your Own Pet. Perhaps it’s the irregular and offbeat rhythm which is a genre trademark that makes it an uncomfortable listen for me, being one for more melodic and driving punk rock in general.